https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10&version=NRSVCE
John writes a favorite story and image of Jesus – the Good Shepherd – along what is arguably my favorite and most treasure verses on all scripture.
“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.” John 10:27-28
My book, “I Knew His Voice”, contains the story of when God gave this to me. These words of our Lord are one of the reasons it is titled “I Knew His Voice.” *note: the price is dropped on Amazon for anyone who hasn’t read the newest edition or who wants to share it with others*
Hearing the Voice of Jesus is easy. Do you look at the news and get a ‘wrong’ feeling about the path the world is on? Do you hear about abortion being treated as a gift and only see murder. Do you watch ‘innocent’ PG movies or even commercials and want to turn it off? These and so many more are the voice of the Shepherd calling to you.
It is such a great, secure feeling to know that hearing His voice, we know He knows and sees us. So comforting to know that Jesus doesn’t just have our back, but He is facing off the wolves and giving His life to protect us.
But, that is only part of this statement. Read again, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” Yes, you got it that time, “they follow me.”
I get the image of obedience and bling trust from John 10:27-28. I remember those times when my dog would be laying back and I’d call him. He didn’t want to get up, and wouldn’t move. But, I could see his ear twitch and eye shift – he heard me, but didn’t want to do more (unless I grabbed some chips of course).
This is like so many Catholic Christians in the world today. They can hear the voice of God. They know what is right and wrong. They know something is wrong and sinful but go forward anyway. The voice and words of God is imprinted within our soul and so many choose their own path. Sometimes feeling guilt, at least at the start.
But, these words of Jesus aren’t simply about hearing His voice, they are about hearing, knowing and following. Following the Good Shepherd, the sheep trust He will lead them to versant pastures with still waters (Psalm 23). They focus upon the Shepherd and keep their eyes and ear on Him. They don’t look about the world, wondering where the path will lead or if there are wolves out there. They know they are safe in His care – “no one will snatch them from His hand.”
Find “I knew His Voice” through the links below: